THE UK CORNER CD REVIEW: Jody Watley: The Makeover

     In the eighties she rivaled Janet Jackson and Madonna for MTV nominations. Today, she may not be as visible in the mainstream as those artists, but she has carved out a niche for herself in jazzy electronic soul. She has been made over into a new force to be reckoned with, and maintains 20 million record sales and a Grammy award.

     Departing from her roots in R&B group Shalamar, on this album, Watley makes a number of covers her own. Standout cuts include a soulful remake of the Bob Marley classic Waiting in Vain, a dramatic re-working of Madonna’s Borderline, a stirring rendition of Diana Ross’ Love Hangover and an adaptation of Chic’s I Want Your Love.

     Watley says:

     “The makeover is a reflection of the music that has inspired much of my work the past decade. I’ve taken songs I love and brought them into the present. As a songwriter and producer, I wanted to compliment the project with two original compositions, reminding people that I’m a songwriter as well.”

     The catchy A Bed of Roses co-written and produced by Mercury Music Prize nominees 4hero, is one of the few original tracks. Having so many covers has the drawback that people just discovering Jody Watley will have to pay attention to find out who she is.

     However, her interpretations of the songs she performs are telling. Her delivery of the Carpenters’ Close To You both pays respectful homage while emoting vulnerability and wisdom.

     Watley says:

     “The makeover’ is a nice way for me to direct lovers of quality music across the bridge as I continue to make over my own musical journey after three decades in music. It’s important to me that people recognise how much my music has grown, as I have.”

     Watley has certainly grown as an artist, now on her ninth studio album, in her time she has worked with Birmingham’s Musical Youth, Bob Geldof’s Band Aid, George Michael and one of her key influences, Stevie Wonder.

     Hers is also the memorable voice on Babyfaces’s This Is (For The Lover In You).

     There are few guest appearances on this album bar Voshaun Gotti on Friends, a remake of her ground breaking 1989 collaboration with Eric B and Rakim (one of the first to feature a singer and rapper).

     Pioneering, Watley has found a formula to keep the party going and fans dancing with tracks such as Midnight Lounge and Nu Love. This album shows that when the clock strikes 12, this Cinderella, who is as iconic in fashion and beauty circles as the title track underlines, can afford to lounge simply because she has earned her glass slippers and while she has one foot in the past, her finger is squarely on the pulse of what is happening in music.

     The international version of the Makeover is out now on Avitone Recordings/ADA Global

     Hear tracks on Watley’s myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/jodywatley

The UK Corner covers urban entertainment from a British perspective and is written by Fiona McKinson. She is a freelance journalist and creative writer based in London. Contact her at info@thetalentshow.co.uk.